Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Areas

Employers

Major networksLocal commercial television stationsPublic television stationsCable televisionPrivate production companiesGovernmentBusiness corporations

Information/Strategies

Participate in campus media including student television and radio stations.Seek part-time or volunteer opportunities with independent production companies.Complete practicums at local television stations and internships at local or national television stations, networks, or cable systems.Join student broadcasting organizations.Develop excellent writing, reporting, researching, and editing skills.Volunteer to announce sporting events on campus or at local high schools.Consider taking courses in political science, economics, sociology, or any applicable field for news broadcasting careers.Read trade publications.Be willing to start in smaller markets and work your way up the ladder. Professionals often move frequently for career advancement.A greater number of opportunities exist in larger cities.

Radio

Areas

NewsProgrammingProductionPromotionManagementAnnouncingResearchSales

Employers

National networksNational public radioDigital stationsState or regional networksMajor, medium, and small market stationsLocal commercial stations and groups

Information/Strategies

Work at the student radio station. Join radio or music organizations on campus.Complete an internship at a station.Announce sporting events for your university.Host music programming for parties and social events.Coordinate, program, and promote musical events.Gain performance experience through music, drama, or public speaking.Create a demonstration tape to be used as a sample of vocal and speaking talent.Enhance public speaking skills by practicing with a handheld recorder.Radio job markets are known to fluctuate, be prepared to weather the changes.

Areas

Employers

Internet based companies (e.g. Yahoo, Google, etc.)Companies specializing in webcasting services and technologyBusinesses in a variety of industriesColleges and universitiesNonprofit organizations

Information/Strategies

Gain experience in computer and internet technologies.Learn how to design websites.Become familiar with a variety of languages and software packages on various platforms.Seek certifications in networking, website design, or related areas.Volunteer to create or maintain websites for student organizations or local nonprofits.Assist in campus webcasts if possible.

Employers

Information/Strategies

Obtain entrepreneurial knowledge and experience through starting a small business or taking business courses.Volunteer to do video editing/production for campus videographers or television stations.Gain contacts in the specific industry of interest (e.g. develop relationships with wedding photographers in order to build wedding videography business).Enter video contests.Cultivate artistic talents.

Areas

Employers

Colleges and universititesTechnical schoolsPublic and private high schools

Information/Strategies

Obtain a Ph.D. for college and university teaching opportunities.Obtain state teacher certification for high school teaching opportunities. You will need certification to teach additional subjects such as foreign languages, English, theater, social studies, or art.Volunteer to assist local high school students with productions.Actively participate in campus radio, television, or theatrical organizations.

General information and strategies

Internships are crucial for breaking into the field of electronic media and broadcasting. Complete several internships if possible.